By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is making a concerted push to attract international investment in its education sector, aiming to transform the country into a leading academic hub in Latin America. At the 2025 NAFSA conference, the world’s largest international education event, the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER) showcased the nation’s potential for educational partnerships and investment opportunities.
From May 27th to 30th in San Diego, California, PROCOMER’s export and foreign direct investment (FDI) teams presented a unified strategy, highlighting Costa Rica’s skilled workforce, high-quality academic institutions, and collaborative environment.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the complexities of investing in Costa Rican education, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas of Bufete de Costa Rica.
Investing in Costa Rican education presents a unique opportunity given the country’s constitutional commitment to free and mandatory education. However, navigating the regulatory landscape, particularly regarding private educational institutions and potential partnerships with public entities, requires careful consideration of compliance requirements outlined in the General Education Law and related regulations. Due diligence is paramount to ensure successful and sustainable investment in this important sector.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Bufete de Costa Rica
PROCOMER orchestrated over 80 business meetings, focusing on both promoting Costa Rican education services abroad and attracting new investment. This initiative aligns with Costa Rica’s broader goals of internationalization and strengthening its educational ecosystem.
Under the umbrella of the “esencial COSTA RICA” country brand, a delegation of 15 Costa Rican institutions engaged with universities, academics, and international partners. They presented a diverse range of programs, including internships, student exchanges, Spanish language instruction, clinical practice opportunities, service-learning projects, and faculty-led initiatives.
Beyond promoting educational services, PROCOMER actively positioned Costa Rica as an ideal location for international institutions seeking to establish operations in Latin America. Meetings with universities from the United States (Boston), the United Kingdom, Mexico, and Spain focused on fostering strategic alliances, analyzing global education trends, and showcasing Costa Rica’s advantages as a regional academic center.
At PROCOMER, we’ve been doubling down on our efforts to diversify both exports and foreign direct investment. Investing in the education sector not only supports that diversification but also opens many doors for Costa Rican talent. NAFSA is a key touchpoint that allows us to position Costa Rica as a high-value partner for global academic institutions and as a strategic environment for the development of educational projects. Our goal is to attract investment that builds local capacity, fosters knowledge transfer, and establishes Costa Rica as a regional benchmark in higher education.
Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER
This proactive approach at NAFSA 2025 underscores Costa Rica’s commitment to integrating its national talent pool with concrete opportunities for growth, collaboration, and investment within the education sector. The country seeks to attract investment that not only bolsters local capacity but also fosters knowledge transfer, ultimately establishing Costa Rica as a regional leader in higher education.
The focus on education investment is a strategic move for Costa Rica, aiming to diversify its economy and enhance its human capital. By attracting international universities and educational projects, the country hopes to create a vibrant academic environment that benefits both local students and the broader economy.
The initiative also aligns with Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainable development. By fostering educational opportunities and attracting knowledge-based industries, the country aims to create a more resilient and prosperous future.
Costa Rica’s participation in NAFSA 2025 signals its ambition to become a key player in the global education landscape. By actively pursuing international partnerships and investment, the country is laying the groundwork for a thriving education sector that contributes to its overall economic and social development.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER) is a key institution responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports and attracting foreign direct investment. It plays a vital role in connecting Costa Rican businesses with international markets and fostering economic growth. PROCOMER works closely with various sectors, including education, to promote Costa Rica as a competitive and attractive destination for investment.
For further information, visit esencialcostarica.com
About esencial COSTA RICA:
esencial COSTA RICA is the country brand that represents Costa Rica’s values and strengths on the global stage. It encompasses the essence of Costa Rican identity, highlighting its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and excellence. The brand is used to promote Costa Rica across various sectors, including tourism, investment, and exports.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal integrity and excellence, dedicated to empowering Costa Rican society through accessible legal knowledge. The firm’s history of innovative legal solutions across diverse sectors reflects a deep commitment not just to its clients, but to fostering a more informed and empowered citizenry. Through proactive community engagement and a constant pursuit of legal advancement, Bufete de Costa Rica continues to shape a future where legal understanding is a tool for positive social change.
